Thursday, September 23, 2010

There's an odd phenomenon with wedding planning. It's the hurry up and wait routine. Right at the beginning of the planning phase there is so much to do that it seems as though we'll never get it all done. But once the initial flurry of making the big decisions--ceremony and reception sites, caterers, dresses, attendants and so on--is over, there's an odd time of. . .limbo.

We are so eager to have everything done that whenever we're not making plans--big or smooth--we kind of feel as though we're slacking. I don't think a day goes by when either Dev or I--more likely both of us--are on the computer checking out centerpiece ideas, bridesmaid dresses or invitations.

But while we're not making the big choices right now, what we're doing is actually more important. We're enjoying and cherishing our everyday life and recognizing that what we have now is not going to last forever. A year from now, the wedding will be over and all of our lives will have changed forever. Instead of being a family six, we'll be a family of seven. . .but two of us won't live here anymore (not that Greg has ever actually lived here. . .but you all know what I mean). Devyn and Greg will have begun their own life together, and we'll be adjusting to a different reality.

This is how life is meant to be, and we rejoice in it. But at the same time, we're so blessed to have this time when we can enjoy the present, realizing that it is precious and fleeting.

So we might not be accomplishing a big wedding goal every day--or even every week--but I can promise you that we're laughing together every day, we're treasuring our family dinners, and we're making memories that will linger long after the wedding is over.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Since we've covered most of the big items in wedding planning--church, reception venue, caterer, photographer--we're left with just a few important bookings. One of those is the disc jockey.

If you've been to a wedding with a DJ, you know that he or she can really make or break the event. DJs are the unofficial masters of ceremony, in charge of announcements, the spot light events like first dances and cake cutting. . .and what makes a good disc jockey depends on what the bride and groom want and need. Some couples prefer a loud and boisterous MC who works hard to keep the guests on the dance floor and the party moving. Others are looking for someone more low key.

I know that for us, finding the right person is going to be very important. Devyn and Greg are both very passionate about music, and they're both pretty low key people. Finding a DJ who meshes well with Devyn's personality and her needs could be a tricky thing.

It's a delicate balance; we love to hear other people's recommendations, but since not every person is looking for the same things in a disc jockey, we don't know if what works for one couple will work for us.

We think we've found a few possibilities, but we won't know for sure until next month.

In other planning news, we've been looking at centerpieces, bridesmaids gowns and hotels for the guests. It's fun to muse over these things while we have the time!

And speaking of fun. . lest you think that it's all serious around here. . .check out this week's wedding goals:

Monday, September 6, 2010

Now that biggest items are taken care of, we can relax a little. But never fear! We're just slowing, not stopping.

Last week we found our photographer. We're thrilled with Bonnie, who is a highly recommended professional as well as a homeschool mom. She has great ideas and we're looking forward to working with her.

We might also have a deejay, although we won't know for certain until our meeting next month.

Last week, we made our first foray into the realm of bridesmaid dress shopping. Egads! It's a good thing that we all have a sense of humor, and it's also a very good thing that Devyn is having a very small wedding party--just her sisters. I can't imagine trying to do this with lots of different opinions to accommodate.

The best thing to come out of that shopping trip was a clearer idea of what Devyn would like her bridesmaids to wear and what they like. I think we'll come to a good compromise soon, although we might wait and buy those dresses at the same time we get Dev's wedding gown--which is planned for much further down the road.

Okay, now it's time for a little editorial comment. Remember, these are the opinions of the blogger and in no way reflect the views of the bride or groom.

We stopped at one of the larger, more well-known bridal shops last week. I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't what I found there. It was bedlam; the consultants were barely civil and less than welcoming.

I was also astounded by the number of men who were back in the dressing rooms with us as my younger daughters were trying on dresses. To quote the lady on "Say Yes to the Dress", there were foxes in the henhouse!! Men were going into stalls with their girlfriends, grooms were weighing in on wedding gowns. . .I didn't like it at all, for several reasons.

I may be a modern, forward thinking and hip MOB, but I'm not that hip. My daughters were uncomfortable coming out of the dressing stalls into an area that was supposed to be just women and finding many men milling around. The fit on these dresses is less than perfect, especially for Catie, and so it's not an ideal condition in which to be seen. I also was privy to several interactions between men and women that made me very uncomfortable. I'm all in favor of love and affection, but come on, folks! There's a time and a place!

And I guess I'm more old-fashioned than I knew. I love the idea of the groom seeing the bride in all her finery on their wedding day, as she comes down the aisle. I don't believe it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride beforehand, but I think it's tradition--and very touching--to do it this way.

So there's my editorial comment: keep the men out of the dressing areas and keep the groom away from the bridal gown process.